Scouting out 2012 opposing rushers and return of Seahawks’ Lynch

Marshawn Lynch, an Oakland native and Cal product, spoiled one of the most impressive streaks in NFL history last season when he became the first opposing running back in 37 games to rush for 100 yards against the 49ers. He’ll still be in a Seahawks uniform when he makes his encore in 2012.

Lynch bypassed free agency — and the Seahawks avoided using the franchise tag on him — by agreeing Sunday to a 4-year, $31 million contract with $18 million guaranteed.

Here are some thoughts on that deal and what other running backs will encounter the 49ers this season:

— Lynch had 21 carries for 107 yards and a rushing touchdown in the penultimate game of the regular season, a 19-17 49ers comeback win. That snapped the 49ers streak of 36 straight games of not allowing a 100-yard rusher. They also had not allowed a rushing touchdown in their first 14 games — an NFL first — before Lynch breached the goal line in the fourth quarter.

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— In earning his second career Pro Bowl selection, Lynch ran for 1,204 yards on 285 carries (4.2 average) with 12 rushing touchdowns. Simply put, he was the Seahawks’ mainstay. Their passing game struggled behind quarterbacks Tarvaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst.

— Frank Gore’s numbers for the 49ers were strikinginly similar to Lynch’s in 2011, aside from the touchdown production: 282 carries, 1,211 yards, 4.3 yards-per-carry average, eight rushing touchdowns. Also, while Lynch had 28 receptions for 212 yards, Gore had 17 for 114.

— Lynch has averaged 5.05 yards per carry in four career games against the 49ers — the third-highest average among the opponents he’s faced.

— Lynch turns 26 on April 22. He was traded from Buffalo to Seattle four games into 2010. He had 10 carries for 29 yards in his only 2010 meeting with the 49ers, and he had 13 carries for 33 yards in last season’s opener.

— OK, now let’s check out the 2012 schedule (dates to be announced next month) and see what running backs the 49ers likely will encounter. I’ll list in descending order from what I think will be the toughest to easiest running atttacks:

Patriots (at Foxboro): BenJarvus Green-Ellis — 667 yards, 3.7 ypc, 11 rushing TDs. Green-Ellis is a pending free agent and some think he’ll head to Kansas City. Stay tuned to find out who will be getting handoffs from Tom Brady.

Lions (at SF): Jahvid Best — 390 yards, 4.6 ypc, 2 rushing TD. Best sustained a season-ending concussion vs. the 49ers in the sixth game of the season and his future reamins in doubt. Kevin Smith was the Lions’ second-leading rusher (72 carries, 356 yards) and he is a pending free agent.

Cam Inman

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That Steven Jackson is something else. What a warrior he has been over the years for a sad sack of a team! He’s one of those few players like Fitz (and erstwhile players like Walter Jones) for whom my admiration transcends my instinctive dislike of players playing for Division rivals 🙂